Sweet Fifteen — Diane Gonzales Bertrand

Gr 8 UpRita Navarro wants to help Stefanie Bonillo, who obviously needs a friend, but since she is only the young woman's seamstress, she feels she can't do much. Stefanie's quinceanera (coming-out party) is fast approaching, and the teen is grieving over the death of her father. Rita's opportunity to help comes when Stefanie spends a week with her Uncle Brian over the winter holidays. Rita offers her a job in her shop; soon their friendship blossoms, and Brian becomes interested in Rita. Ethnic values are honestly portrayed in this sincere novel. Rita's character is skillfully sewn as she becomes a pivotal player in each turn of events. Many admirable virtues are woven throughout the chaptersfamily traditions, respect for one's elders, compassion, and friendship that changes into true love. Although this book is longer and the main character is older than in most stories written for YAs, it does offer positive role models of Hispanic women. An acceptable purchase.Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL